Colder temperatures could end bloom season for gardens

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Overnight temperatures will drop this weekend, and frost chances are rising for people who are still holding onto summer gardens.

Summer-like conditions allowed many gardens to stay in bloom longer than normal this year. As the weather changes, those summer blooms are not expected to last much longer.

Protecting plants from frost

Shawn Lizer, owner of Sunshine Grow Shop on Southland, said plants can be protected.

“You can drop a soft cloth across some of those things to keep the frost off of it and would probably be good for another few days,” Lizer said. “But getting into this first frost and the weather pattern might continue, it might be time to just let those guys go.”

Lizer said individual plants, such as ferns, can be brought inside for the night to keep them longer.

Cold-hardy plant options

Lizer said the colder months allow gardeners to rotate in plants that are better suited to cold weather.

Pansies are one option, Lizer said. “They’re made for the cold weather so they can go down to the low 20s even maybe a little bit colder with no damage and no problem,” Lizer said. “They’ll come back in the spring for you as well.”

Cabbages and kales are also options, according to Lizer. “They’ll get prettier as it gets colder. The color will really pop on those, and I’ve seen those go until February,” Lizer said.

Lizer said certain varieties of holly and Coral Bells can also last into the colder months.

The upcoming frost will likely end the growing season for most gardeners, but options remain for keeping a garden through the winter.